What changed
2026-08-06 20:27 UTC → 2026-08-07 15:56 UTC ·
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In early July 2026 Google launched Google’s Chrome 150 for desktop, introducing the browser has continued to embed its Gemini‑based AI across platforms. After the July rollout of the “Select from screen” tool in the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, India and other regions, but not in the United Kingdom. A July 4 security update (build 150.0.7871.46/47) added 433 bug fixes and patches, urging users to install the update promptly. On July 7 the Chrome 151 beta arrived with new CSS properties, WebAPI extensions (including post‑quantum WebCrypto and relaxed Direct Sockets permissions), and the discontinuation of macOS 12 support. The beta was made available for Android, ChromeOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. Researchers disclosed on July 19 that Chrome silently downloaded a hidden 4 GB Gemini Nano on‑device model (weights.bin) to Windows, macOS and Linux systems that met undisclosed hardware criteria. The model powers writing assistance, page summarisation, tab organisation 150 and scam detection. Users can block further downloads via the new “AI on‑device” setting, though the file is restored unless a registry edit blocks it. A July 23 update embedded Gemini directly into the browser, allowing invocation with @gemini, an “Ask Gemini” button or shortcuts, and reduced Android scroll‑jank by roughly 48 %, delivering smoother 60 Hz scrolling. that added @gemini invocation, Chrome 151 entered the Stable channel on July 28‑29, delivering four in late July, bringing security fixes, 370 additional patches, removal of Manifest V2 support and remediation of 1,072 bugs discovered by Gemini‑based tools, paving the way for bi‑weekly (potentially weekly) security updates and experimental dynamic patching. On In early August 5 the company clarified that on‑device Gemini models (the 4 GB Gemini Nano) are downloaded only when a device has roughly 20 GB of free storage. Chrome expanded AI controls: reserves additional space for unpacking and future updates, checks for an unmetered connection and sufficient hardware, and allows users to disable the “AI on‑device” “On‑device AI” toggle removes to delete the Gemini Nano model (≈4 GB) from compatible desktops, and stop background downloads. UI refinements are also being rolled out: Android Chrome now uses a dual‑bar interface began rolling out on Android, adding layout with a dedicated bottom‑bar Gemini shortcut for one‑hand use. use; Wear OS devices such as the Pixel Watch receive an overlay interface that places Gemini over the watch face; and an experimental “Device Help” feature on Pixel phones lets users describe problems in natural language and receive targeted settings adjustments via Gemini. These steps deepen Gemini’s integration while giving users clearer control over storage and privacy implications.